Doubts raised in Myanmar over vow to free all political prisoners

Myanmar's reform-minded government may fall short of fulfilling its commitment to free all political prisoners by the end of this year, a member of the committee reviewing prisoners' status said Saturday, dpa reported. "The number of political prisoners is falling, but it will not reach zero because the authorities are detaining more and more activists," said Bo Kyi, a member of the government-appointed committee. During a visit to Britain in July, Myanmar President Thein Sein pledged to release all political prisoners remaining in Myanmar by the end of this year. His government has released hundreds of political prisoners since it took office in 2010, since when it has also implemented wide-ranging political reforms. But ongoing political strife and disagreements over what constitutes a "political prisoner" are raising doubts about the president's commitment.